Can't buy in California???

[disneydawn6]

Just got back from the Disney Cruise a month ago and checked out DVC while I was on the ship. I decided to think about it, so we didn't buy right then. Now I decided to buy and called the number from the book they gave me. The women answered the phone and asked what state I lived in. When I told her California, she said she was not allowed to talk to me about DVC and I could not purchase anything unless I came to Florida!! I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told the same thing.
Do you know any way around this? I will not be back to Florida till December. But I hear WLV will be sold out by then
I am a cast member of a Disney store so I was getting a discount on the points so I don't want to go through a resale as they all seem to be more expensive. Any thought???

 

[drusba]

Unfortunately, there are states that have not yet approved VWL for sale yet in those states. California is apparently one of them. As a result, what you are told would be correct--they cannot send you anything or even discuss it while you are in California. I suspect that California will eventually approve--you might want to check with the guide to see if the process is going on and when they suspect it will be completed. Your only option to buy through Disney is to buy in Florida. However, nothing stops you from looking into and possibly buying a resale as those can be sold in states where "new" sales are not yet allowed. You might check out resale sites like www.dvc-resales.com and www.atimeshare.com

 

[tonyboy]

We're from CA and you can buy into VB or HH like my wife and I did. We bought into VB because we're young and wanted a beach front feel. Also, depending on the season, you can easily get reservations into the WDW resorts.

 

[BalooCA]

I was able to buy into OKW a year after we were there from California. It may have something to do with whether you get a presentation while you are in Florida (so it is not a first contact) or perhaps something to do with VWL which is newer. I seem to recall something about each resort needing to be approved to sell in CA. Call back and get a better explaination......

 

[JeffreyH]

Since tonyboy has pointed out that Disney is approved for selling VB or HH in California, they CAN send you the information - in fact, you mention a "book", so perhaps they sent you the book and video explaining DVC. I would also think they would answer any general questions about how DVC works (e.g. banking points, making reservations, etc.). I am in NY, where Disney is not yet approved for WLV sales, and they told me all about the program (most of it I had already read here on these boards) and sent me the book and video.

The problem is that for each resort they need to get separate approval from each state, which apparently can take a year or more for some states. While this is meant to protect you, it sure can be a pain. Don't HAVE to ever go to FL to buy if they are approved in your state to sell the particular resort you're interested in. (Although from what I understand, you can get a slightly better financing rate if you take a tour first. Not sure why they disadvantage those who want to buy over the phone.)

So...I think you can get all the info. you want, just can't act on buying VWL right now without a flight. Some people have even done an overnight trip to buy, something to consider with a $3/point price increase coming in June (and possible lower financing rate, if that interests you).

As has been pointed out, resale (OKW or BW), VB, and HH are also alternatives.

Best of luck.

 

[DLVisitor]

I live in California and last year bought OKW direct from Disney. Check again, or it may just be resort specific. A couple of years ago I called about DVC, and was told California couldn't buy direct. But, that HAS changed.

 

[disneydawn6]

I recieved a vidio over a year ago by mail when I asked for one over the internet. Now when I tried to get a newer one when I typed in California it said "Sorry we can not send infomation" The women at DVC said I could not buy at any of them anymore... I will try again on Monday.....
Thanks for all your advise....

 

[Olaf]

Approval is always resort specific. NY and Texas are also in the same pickle as CA with regards to VWL at the moment. I'm guessing that approval will come through about the time they sell out. Makes you wonder what you're paying that particular state agency for, doesn't it?

It seems to me that the DVC rep you spoke to on the ship really dropped the ball. The first thing our guide asked us is, "where do you live?"

We went back by Disney on our way to the airport to sign our contract. It was a pain, but worth the effort.

Steph
DL - 1966
DL - 1970
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DL - 1988 - Day trip
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